Six food banks awarded funding from the state

File photo New Jersey Department of AgricultureSecretary Fisher toured the food bank with Director Tammy Morris, stopping to check out local sweet potatoes from Berenato Farms in Hammonton earlier this year.

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture announced Tuesday the awarding of $225,610 in Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding to six food banks in New Jersey.

According to release, the grants help fund food banks to better distribute and store donated food in order to allow more families and residents to be served efficiently.

The funding allows for Jersey Fresh fruits and vegetables to make it to those in need.

Additionally, the Food Bank of South Jersey received $28,212. The food bank serves Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem counties.

The announcement was made at Lacey Food Bank, which assists more than 500 people living on minimal incomes.

“The Christie Administration is committed to helping the most vulnerable in our communities including people in need of food assistance. As a result of these grants, food banks will better be able to serve the towns and cities in New Jersey’s 21 counties, ensuring that more donated food gets to the tables of struggling families,” DCA Commissioner Richard E. Constable III, said.

According to the release, the funding can be used for storage, distribution, and food purchase.

Additionally, the funding is available through the DCA Division of Housing and Community Resources’ administration of the CSBG.

The CSBG is a federal anti-poverty grant program, focusing on the addressing of nutrition component of the program, the release said.

“We are at the height of the New Jersey growing season, with a wide variety of nutritious fruits and vegetables available for the food banks to provide to those in need,” NJ Department of Agriculture Secretary Douglas H. Fisher said. “This funding will help food banks improve their storage and distribution of ‘Jersey Fresh’ produce and other food.”

The total funding was also distributed to Community Food Bank, Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, Mercer Street Friends, and NORWESCAP.